09.27.07
Indication: Breast cancer
Source: JAMA, July 18, 2007;298(3):289-98.
Research: Researchers tracked the diets of over 3000 women, half of which followed a diet that included 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; the other half consumed double the fruits and vegetables of the first group. The women participating in the study from 1995-2000 had all been treated successfully for early-stage breast cancer. The intervention group (n = 1537) was randomly assigned to receive a telephone counseling program supplemented with cooking classes and newsletters that promoted daily targets of 5 vegetable servings plus 16-oz. of vegetable juice; 3 fruit servings; 30 grams of fiber; and 15-20% of energy intake from fat. The comparison group (n = 1551) was provided with print materials describing the "5-A-Day" dietary guidelines.
Results: Throughout the study, women in both groups received similar clinical care. Over the mean 7 years of follow-up, 256 women in the intervention group vs. 262 in the comparison group experienced an invasive breast cancer event, and 155 in the intervention group vs. 160 in the comparison group died. Researchers concluded that among survivors of early stage breast cancer, adoption of a diet very high in vegetables, fruit, and fiber and low in fat did not reduce additional breast cancer events or mortality during a 7-year follow-up period.